Columbia International University Launches Scholarships to Support Students in Ministry

Columbia International University Offers Financial Aid Relief to Students

Columbia, S.C. – Columbia International University (CIU) has announced a significant financial aid initiative aimed at supporting students whose parents work in ministry. The university is introducing a Parent in Ministry and Missionary Dependent Scholarship that will cover 100% of tuition for new full-time undergraduate students with parents in eligible ministry roles.

Who is Eligible?

To qualify for this scholarship, the students must have parents who are employed in full-time Christian ministry. This includes positions as paid missionaries, pastors, or staff members in churches or para-church organizations. The scholarship is available for a maximum of four consecutive academic years, providing substantial financial relief for students entering higher education.

Additional Scholarships Announced

Alongside this primary scholarship, CIU has unveiled several other financial aid opportunities for the 2024-2025 academic year. Full-time students who have taken a gap year after high school to engage in ministry work can now qualify for scholarships of up to $8,000 per year. Recognized gap year programs include institutions like Word of Life Bible Institute, Impact 360, Torchbearer Bible Schools, OM Logos Hope, and VOX Bivium.

In addition, home-schooled students can now apply for a scholarship worth $5,000 per year for up to four years. Moreover, fresh students who are referred to CIU by alumni can also receive a $4,000 annual scholarship.

University Commitment to Affordable Education

“We understand the financial challenges that students face and are dedicated to ensuring that cost is not a barrier to their education and God’s call on their life,” stated Jen Booth, CIU’s Vice President for Enrollment & Academic Services. This sentiment underlines the university’s commitment to making higher education accessible for students from diverse backgrounds.

Tuition and Fees Frozen

As part of its efforts to lessen financial burdens on students, CIU has announced a freeze on all tuition and fees for the upcoming academic year. The administration is reviewing its fee structures with the goal of reducing costs without compromising the quality of education and services provided. This step is intended to further ease the financial strain on current and prospective students.

How to Get More Information

As Columbia International University continues to evolve its scholarship offerings, these new initiatives aim to support the next generation of leaders in faith and ministry.